Dexanabinol; a novel neuroprotective drug in experimental focal cerebral ischemia

The permanent middle cerebral artery occlusion (PMCAO) model was used to in vestigate the cerebroprotective effects of the synthetic cannabinoid, dexan abinol (HU-211). Dexanabinol is a noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate antag onist, with antioxidant and anti-TNF alpha properties. Twenty hypertensive rats were subjected to PMCAO. Eight were given 4 mg/kg dexanabinol, i.v., 1 h after PMCAO, eight received vehicle and four were not injected. Five rat s underwent sham surgery. Infaret volumes were assessed, as well as TNF alp ha oconcentrations and NOS activity in brain homogenates. Dexanabinol signi ficantly decreased infarct volumes. It also significantly lowered TNFa leve ls in the ipsilateral hemisphere although not to the level of sham operated rats. No effect could be demonstrated on NOS activity. In conclusion, dexa nabinol may be a pluripotent cerebroprotective agent. (C) 1999 Elsevier Sci ence B.V. All rights reserved.